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A Good Bloke and a Good Man to Do Business With: How Men Use Symbolic Masculinity to Network Through Golf

Author

Listed:
  • Andreas Giazitzoglu
  • Andrea Whittle

Abstract

Business networks are known to be gendered. However, few studies have delved into precisely how gender relates to networking practices. This study focuses on the gendered symbolic practices used by men when they play golf for the purposes of business networking. The study involved participant observations of five men who worked as wealth managers and who used golf for networking with prospective clients. Analysis reveals how networking and cultural expressions of masculinity intersect. Specifically, we identify the discursive, embodied, and material symbolic practices used by the wealth managers to network with other men. The study shows how performances of “being a good bloke” and “being a good man to do business with” are symbolically related. We contribute to literature on how culturally embedded notions of masculinity are enacted in business contexts, especially business networking interactions.

Suggested Citation

  • Andreas Giazitzoglu & Andrea Whittle, 2025. "A Good Bloke and a Good Man to Do Business With: How Men Use Symbolic Masculinity to Network Through Golf," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(6), pages 2118-2132, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:gender:v:32:y:2025:i:6:p:2118-2132
    DOI: 10.1111/gwao.13271
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gray, Deborah M. & Hicks, Nancy & Rundels, Jennifer J., 2020. "Getting in the game: Putting golf at the forefront of your networking toolbox," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 63(5), pages 627-636.
    2. Sarah Jack & Sarah Drakopoulou Dodd & Alistair R. Anderson, 2008. "Change and the development of entrepreneurial networks over time: a processual perspective," Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 20(2), pages 125-159, March.
    3. Andreas Giazitzoglu & Daniel Muzio, 2021. "Learning the rules of the game: How is corporate masculinity learned and enacted by male professionals from nonprivileged backgrounds?," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 28(1), pages 67-84, January.
    4. Andreas Giazitzoglu, 2020. "This Sporting Life: The intersection of hegemonic masculinities, space and emotions among rugby players," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 27(1), pages 67-81, January.
    5. Natalia Vershinina & Peter Rodgers, 2020. "Symbolic capital within the lived experiences of Eastern European migrants: a gendered perspective," Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 32(7-8), pages 590-605, August.
    6. Lee, Lorraine & Evans, Allison & Downen, Tom, 2020. "Golf, networking, and accounting education: A gendered approach," Journal of Accounting Education, Elsevier, vol. 52(C).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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